Investment Policy & Fees

General Philosophy

The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization duly created and existing under The 'Youth Connections' program of the American Red Cross, serving Northwest students.the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The Foundation's Board of Directors has delegated to the Finance Committee the authority to determine investment objectives, policy and guidelines for the investment managers of the Foundation's investment fund.

A young boy enjoys a treat at the Summer SEALS Day Camp.
The Selinsgrove Area Youth Foundation helps fund this program.



It is the intent of the Foundation to see that all Fund assets are invested with all the care, skill, and diligence that a prudent person acting in their capacity would employ, and according to all rules, regulations, and laws currently in force governing the investment of such assets.

The Finance Committee recognizes that community foundations are an increasingly important source of funds for both current operations and future capital expenditures when required. It also sees the necessity for the principal to grow through both its own investment return and new contributions in order to maintain the purchasing power of future income.

The long-term stated investment objective is to maximize investment return with the least amount of risk through a combination of capital appreciation and income. Risk should be decreased through diversified investment in equities, fixed income, cash and other Finance-Committee approved instruments. Diversification will be required within investment groups by industry and individual company. Though it is the intent of the trustees to achieve a long term above average return, that intent does not include taking extraordinary risks or engaging in investment practices not commonly considered prudent.

Performance Expectations

The desired investment objective is a long-term rate of return on assets that is at least 7.5%, which is 3.5% greater than the anticipated rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Asset Classes

Rebalancing of Strategic Allocation

The percentage allocation to each asset class may vary as much as plus or minus 5% depending upon market conditions.

Custom Benchmarks (excludes cash equivalents):
Russell 1000 Value, S&P 500, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value, Russell 2000 Growth, MSCI EAFE, Lehman Brothers Govt/Credit Intermediate, Lehman Brothers Aggregate

Investment Fees; Spending Policy

For endowed funds, the Foundation's spending policy is 5.5% annually of the fund balance. This includes a 1% annual investment fee and 4.5% designated for grants.

Full Investment Policy Available Upon Request

To view the Foundation's complete investment policy, please call the Foundation office at 570-752-3930 and request a copy. If you would like a copy of the Foundation's most recent audit, please call the office at (570)752-3930.